Denzel Washington By: Rebecca Smith

Basic Information Born: December 28, 1954 In Mount Vernon, New York Father: Denzel Hayes Washington Sr. Mother: Lennis Washington 2 siblings Wife: Pauletta Pearson

“Facts About Denzel” Denzel is a Christian and has considered being a preacher and an actor. Washington has served as the national spokesperson for Boy and Girls of America since Fordham University awarded him a honorary doctorate for having succeeded in exploring the edge of his great talent.

Early Education Denzel Washington attended Pennington- Grimes Elementary School At age 14 Washington’s parents divorced and his mother sent him to a private preparatory school named Oakland Military School in New Windsor, New York In High School he moved to Florida and attended Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida.

College Years Washington earned a B.A. Washington earned a B.A. in drama and journalism from Fordham University While in college he played basketball as a freshman guard During the summer semester of college Washington dropped out and became a counselor at an overnight summer camp (Camp Sloan YMCA in Lakeville, Connecticut.

College Years After summer Denzel Washington returned to Fordham where he enrolled at the Lincoln Center campus to study acting and was given the title roles in both “The Emperor Jones” and Shakespeare's, “Othello”

In 1977 Denzel Washington graduated Fordham University with a degree in Drama and Journalism At this moment in time Denzel knew he wanted to pursue a career in acting and directing for sure. College Continued

Early Work In the summer of 1976, Washington spent most of his time in Summer Stock Theatre performing “Wings of the Morning” in St. Mary’s City, Maryland. After a couple of shows in Maryland Denzel started to act many other places to help his acting career.

A New Star Emerges In 1977 Denzel Washington made his professional acting debut in the film “Wilma” By 1981 he had made his first Hollywood Appearance in the film “Carbon Copy”

Movies Denzel Has Starred In Man on Fire Out of Time Malcom X The Hurricane The Siege The Preacher’s Wife Etc.

A Famous New Family On June 25, 1983 Denzel married Pauletta Pearson. They have four children: July 28, John David Washington November 27, Katia Washington April 10, 1991 Malcom Washington April 10, 1991 Olivia Washington

Directing In 2002 Denzel Washington began to direct movies. His first movie that he directed was called “Antwone Fisher” In 2007 he directed his second movie called “The Great Debaters”, which became a great success for Denzel and hit the silver screens.

Awards Best Actor in a Supporting Role Best Actor in a Leading Role AFI Actor of the Year American Cinematheque Award Humanitarian Award Britannia Award BET Best Actor

Giving to Charity Denzel has been known for giving millions of dollars to charity. In 1995 he donated $2.5 million to help build the New West Angels Church of God facility in Los Angeles. In 2011 he donated $2 million to Fordham University to help improve their theatre system.

Conclusion Denzel Washington is one of the most inspirational actors out there today. He has worked hard all of his life and he seems to never give up. He is a great person who gives when he cans and entertains people everday.

Works Cited /biography/artist/denzel- washington/biography/26 /biography/artist/denzel- washington/biography/26 on on